Foothills Nordic Ski Club (FNSC) is pleased to announce a new high performance cross-country ski development team in Alberta. Team ULLR kicks off in May 2018 with applications accepted after March 19. The Team will be led by FNSC Cross Country Head Coach, Eric Groeneveld and will be part of FNSC’s overall cross-country program stream. Primary training locations are in Calgary and Canmore. Other select areas in southern Alberta and BC will be used for training camps. The program fills a gap by supporting athletes who want to continue their athletic development beyond high school, while managing post-secondary education or work.

Target Athletes

The program targets athletes in the Learn to Compete (LC) through to the Train to Win stages of Long Term Athlete Development. The team will be comprised of female and male athletes and will be a mix of Junior Girls/Boys, Junior Women/Men, and Senior Women/Men. Flexible and customized training programs will consider athlete’s personal and/or educational commitments.

Program

Training will address the requirements of high performance training and racing. Team ULLR maintains an Integrated Support Team comprised of specific technique coaches, a physician, as well as a strength consultant. The team will attend key races within Canada and the United States including NORAMs, World Junior and World Senior trial races, Nationals, and Alberta Cups. While maintaining a strong connection with FNSC athletes, coaches, and volunteers, training will run over three periods (Off Season, Pre-Season, Race Season) with fees collected prior to commencement of each period. For athletes in the Learn to Compete stage who this program is targeted to (e.g., FNSC’s LC program), there will be an ‘add-on’ option to supplement LC programming that will be offered upon registration for the season.

Coach credentials

Eric Groeneveld has coached high performance athletes since 2009 and spent three years as the assistant coach at the Alberta World Cup Academy. In 2012, Eric began coaching with Foothills Nordic Ski Club and has helped grow FNSC into the top club in Alberta. Eric's experience leading National and International trips will bring a wealth of knowledge to the Team ULLR program; his progressive coaching style and extensive coaching experience will help athletes to perform at the highest level.

Registration and Schedule

Program and registration details are located here: http://foothillsnordic.ca/program/team-ullr/. For further information, please contact Eric Groeneveld, Head Cross Country Coach, FNSC at clubcoach@foothillsnordic.ca.

About Foothills Nordic Ski Club and ULLR

Foothills Nordic Ski Club (FNSC) is a not-for-profit, full service cross-country ski and biathlon club based in Calgary, Alberta. Incorporated in 1964, FNSC has a long history or organizing and delivering programs geared towards cross-country skiers and biathletes of all ages and performance levels. The Club has an annual active membership of over 1000, ranging from Jackrabbits and Biathlon Bears to High Performance athletes, Masters level skiers, para-Nordic skiers, and recreational skiers.

ULLR, from Norse mythology is a legendary Nordic icon. Celebrating FNSC’s roots, ULLR was the central point of FNSC’s original brand. The team name celebrates FNSC’s long standing tradition in the Canadian Nordic ski community and signifies the strength of character and hard work our athletes exhibit.